By GEORGINA MICHAEL
PARLIAMENT passed the IBS University Bill 2026 today with an overwhelming support of 93 MPs.
This milestone legislation marks not only a new chapter in PNG’s education journey but also a strategic leap forward in realizing national development aspirations.
According to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Sports, Koinoka Hotune Feo, the new law will provide a clear statutory foundation for IBS University, a private institution that has served PNG for more than three decades and has consistently aligned its growth and national development priorities.
He emphasized that education remained one of the most powerful instruments for nation building.
“It is through strong and well governed universities that we develop the skills, leadership and innovation required to drive economic growth, social cohesion, and national resilience,” Mr Feo said.
“The IBS University Bill is therefore not merely institutional legislation, it is an investment in our people and our future,” he said.
“The IBS University Bill will consolidate the university’s legal standing, strengthen governance arrangements, and provide long term instructional certainty.”
The university currently serves a growing and diverse student population exceeding 1400 in 2024 and offers degree programs supported by 102 full time staff with ongoing infrastructure developments including on campus accommodations.
IBSU now offers programs in accounting and finance, business and management, economics and development studies, and information technology, whilst partnering with Southern Cross University in Australia to offer bachelor degree programs.
“The IBS University Bill will provide a stable legislative platform for a mature and well established institution that has demonstrated resilience, compliance and commitment to national development,” Mr Feo said.
Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the founder of the university whilst urging MPs to support the bill, which would strengthen the country’s education system.
“This is a worthy bill which will extend university space, strengthen business and commerce education and compliment our government’s drive to produce more enterprises and business leaders,” he said.